When nations of Tartu united after the Second Great War and peace was restored to the continent, there were a lot of warriors who felt left out and missing fighting and battles. Contests and tournaments were organized in taverns and inns all across the continent. Often people who organized such events would simply run away with the money. Or angry fans, unhappy with the outcome of battle, would try to "convince" the judges to reconsider their decision, which led to rumbles more fierce than the battle in question itself. In order to give the fighters a place where they could blow off steam and to generate some money for the treasury, senators of the Republic decided to build a special Arena in the outskirts of Shadan City where legal gladiator fights would be held.
It took five years to build the majestic arena which was called Colosseum. Best Dedaire architects, builders and masons were hired for the job. "Time is the best judge", say Dedaires. Two thousands years and still standing - even arena's creators probably didn't expect such great results. When the Colosseum was finished, a great contest was held where veterans of wars against Shaab demonstrated their skills and prowess. They competed in javelin and hammer throw, fencing, archery and other martial skills. Events at the Colosseum were held twice a week. The crowd had a wide range of attractions for its viewing pleasures: from boxing to tournaments of honor, from Fenris battle dances to Minoton duels on wooden hammers called Kho-Go, from Elven battles with queer thin-bladed weapons to Dedaire wrestling, to many other entertaining spectacles.
When the Republic collapsed and wars, riots and hunger engulfed the continent, there was no time for shows in the arena. Colosseum was abandoned for many years. Curiously enough, its restoration began when Vaalor and Sadar were at war with each other. Some historians believe that the reconstruction was part of a plan orchestrated by Imperial advisors. Tired of seeing the treasury dwindle because of war, they came up with a plan. Gladiator battles in the arena were supposed to give the Empires a place to settle the disputes and demonstrate supremacy but at a much smaller cost in people and money than an actual war. Both Emperors agreed to the plan and signed the documents for restoration and maintenance of the Colosseum. Due to a clerical error, rules of the arena stated that teams are formed randomly, regardless of citizenship. However, there are reasons to believe that this error was made on purpose to bring together the warring fractions.
Today, three types of contests are held in the Colosseum: Arena of Honor, Tournament of Honor and the Invincible Warrior Tournament. The former has its roots in an ancient judicial duel that happened when none of the parties in court could provide witnesses or a confession. The parties would then summon allies to their aid, an equal amount on each side, and fight each other to decide who is right. The Invincible Warrior Tournament appeared much later and was used as a test to pick the best soldier for Emperor's guard. Winners of this tournament receive a royal treatment indeed. They even get a statue erected in their honor at the Colosseum which stands there until someone else wins the tournament. Besides human gladiators, fights against monsters are organized in the Colosseum. Specially trained hunters track dangerous beasts on Tartu, intoxicate them with special sleeping potions and bring them to the Colosseum.
For some people Colosseum is a place where one can attain glory. For others it's a place where unnecessary and despicable acts of violence happen. But both would agree that Colosseum is perfect for those who wish to become a warrior as it prepares them for the encounter with the most dangerous enemy of all: death.